Top Byron Bay Wildlife Encounters

Maximize your chances of seeing humpback whales by joining this tour from Byron Bay, led by a marine biologist. Head for areas that the whales are known to pass through as they migrate in winter (June–November), watch them as they majestically breach, and listen to them sing by using an underwater hydrophone.

This adventure in the hinterland of Byron Bay gets to the Gondwana Rainforests, a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Head to lookouts and a pristine waterfall before observing glowworms at a secret location. Your tour also includes a vegetarian/vegan dinner and you leave with a greater appreciation and understanding of the Rainbow region.

Learn to surf at Byron Bay on the world famous breaks. You may go to Byron, Lennox, or the Ballina area, depending on the conditions. Groups are small so you’ll receive lots of attention, feedback, and a guarantee that you’ll feel safe in the water. Boards used are soft, so you’ll catch lots of waves and have a great time in the process, which lasts about a half day.

Experience the Brunswick River the way nature intended—with only the noise of paddles gently sweeping the water—on a stand-up paddleboard tour in a group of maximum eight people. After a short introduction to the art of SUP, head out into the wilds with a guide to point out wildlife and capture digital photos, then return for water and home-made snacks. Tour includes pickup from Byron Bay, if required.

Paddle your way to Australia’s easternmost point on this 3-hour sea kayaking adventure from Byron Bay, including hotel pick-up. After learning to steer your tandem kayak, set out from Clarkes Beach and enjoy waterside views of landmarks like the Byron Bay lighthouse, the Julian Rocks, Wategos millionaire row and Cape Byron. Keep a look out for dolphins, sea turtles and whales as you cruise around the bay, then cool off with a swim before heading back to shore.

Hone your surf skills with this half-day lesson in beautiful Byron Bay. Head to a beach that suits your skill level, throw on your gear—included in the lesson price—and learn basic techniques from an expert coach. Then, continue your lesson in a small-group setting with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1 to 7. If you don’t stand up by the end of the session, receive a free class.

Surfing can be a great way to get to know a new area, but it can be a challenge to find the right beaches in unfamiliar territory. The instructors on this surf lesson take care of finding surf spots for you, taking you to the best beaches depending on the weather conditions. That means you can spend more time enjoying yourself and improving your surfing.